Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[SunshineMary]

I have a new problem. Went to shut coop door and found a hen had been scalped. We cleaned it and put neosporin on and she's currently in garage [...] Also how long should I keep her separate.

Hi Robyn,
Maybe try Blue Kote or a similar antiseptic+colorant on her wound. If you do, you might be able to let her back with the flock quite soon (but watch for bullying).

We learned about using Blue Kote from a very experienced local poultry keeper when we were raising our turkey poults this past spring. One poult was a pecker and made a wound on another poult, which drew the attention of the others. Because they can see the pink skin/red wound, they will peck at it endlessly until they eventually kill the injured bird. But the Blue Kote stains the skin/feathers blue, which apparently doesn't draw their attention and thus they won't peck at it,

We used the spray kind, but there is probably some kind of similar ointment. We bought it at the FF&H in Chelsea, but I bet Dexter Mill carries it too. Good luck!

 

[aart]

Quote: I've found blukote to attract almost as much 'pecking attention' as a wound...especially on a light colored bird.
Also had a bird reopen a wound covered in blukote trying to preen said blukote off of itself.
One tip for using the spray more judiciously, is to spray some into a small cup(take out condiment cup or bottle cap) and use a Qtip to apply it too bird.
I use vetricin or neosporin(without pain relief) for wounds now if they need treatment.

 

[SunshineMary]

This is how the Blue Kote looked when we sprayed it on the poult:

If you do use it, wear gloves when you apply it or you will have blue hands.

 

[SunshineMary]

I've found blukote to attract almost as much 'pecking attention' as a wound...especially on a light colored bird.
Also had a bird reopen a wound covered in blukote trying to preen said blukote off of itself.

Fortunately, it worked very well with our white turkey poults, but you never know I guess.

Good tip re: using a cotton swab to apply it.

 

[robyn8]

Thanks all! We've been using vetericyn and neosporin so far. It's looking at little better already this morning. I'm just super infused about the Roos. I don't have more dog kennels to separate them further.

 

[aart]

Thanks all! We've been using vetericyn and neosporin so far. It's looking at little better already this morning. I'm just super infused about the Roos. I don't have more dog kennels to separate them further.

Might be a good time to get some more.
I have 4 of the 24"L x 18"W x 21"H sized ones, all fold-able so easy to store.
They are very handy to have for many reasons.
Got most from flea market for $10-$20.
Added 1x2 mesh to the inside bottoms so the tray can go underneath the crates,
for observation of sick birds poops and easier clean up.
Trays still fit inside if needed.

Hard to know what happened exactly....unless you can spend a lot of time observing the flock dynamics.
I'd separate out the silkie cockerel asap...or maybe both males...time to make some long term decisions.

 

[uchytil]

Not on much so Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of my peeps...see you in 2017!

 

[birdman55]

Blue hands will occur while using the product. We use it on the pheasants when they start to get aggressive. Try spraying like 50 birds. U come out thinking ur a smurf And it is not that easy to wash off that much. Lol

Everyone ready for more snow

 

[robyn8]

Thanks Art. I do have a second a second dog kennel on its way. I'm thinking the silkie is the problem. The BO really doesn't seem aggressive to me. I wondering if they were fighting over the hen that got hurt. She's the sweetest and I think low in the pecking order.

 

[RaZ]

Thanks Art. I do have a second a second dog kennel on its way. I'm thinking the silkie is the problem. The BO really doesn't seem aggressive to me. I wondering if they were fighting over the hen that got hurt. She's the sweetest and I think low in the pecking order.

It might not be the boys. A low pecking order hen can get beat up pretty good by the other hens too. My low girl is looking kind of rough due to that kind of treatment. She has some bald areas that look just like mating action. It is from the dominant hen pecking her and even mounting her if she comes to close.
Hawk alert here this morning. Just after letting the girls out, one flew over screaming to another that was perched in the neighbor's tree. They both flew off screaming all the way. It was kind of cool to see and hear.